Friday, April 5, 2013

Kosovo Recognition Update: April 2013 (99/193)

Countries recognizing the Republic of Kosovo in green, with the two most recent additions highlighted. Disputed recognitions in yellow. Kosovo in magenta. Map by Evan Centanni, modified from public domain graphic (source).

By Evan CentanniNew Kosovo Recognitions: Pakistan & Guyana
The self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo has reportedly been diplomatically recognized by two more U.N. member countries since our last Kosovo report. The government of the small state in southeastern Europe now claims recognition from 99 U.N. member countries, or about 51% of the world body (there are currently 193 sovereign states in the U.N.).

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan in South Asia extended diplomatic recognition to Kosovo on December 24, in a move confirmed by Pakistan's foreign ministry. Then last month, Kosovo was also recognized by the Caribbean country of Guyana in South America, according to Kosovo's foreign ministry (though this has not yet been confirmed by independent sources).

The Republic of Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but has been blocked from U.N. membership by objections from Serbia, Russia, and other countries which see its secession as invalid. In addition to the 99 U.N. members from whom Kosovo claims recognition, its independence is also acknowledged by one non-U.N. member, Taiwan. For more on Kosovo's special situation, see our first Kosovo recognition report, which also includes a map of Kosovo's location relative to Serbia.

Disputed Recognitions
Like Kosovo itself, the list of countries recognizing the Republic of Kosovo is subject to some controversy. Some opponents of independence have cast suspicion on the self-declared republic's claims of international recognition, which are sometimes not confirmed by sources outside Kosovo's government. And they may be on to something: recognition by Nigeria, Uganda, and São Tomé and Príncipe, three countries located in Africa, is currently subject to dispute. Political Geography Now will be following this issue closely in future, and keeping our readers as informed as possible.

Stay Up to Date: Check for further updates to this story by viewing all Kosovo articles on Political Geography Now.